Ayacucho is a city that can be called a monument of colonial architecture. There are so many ancient houses and temples that it is hard to single out one of them. Once you come to the central square, you see an elegant and astonishingly attractive architectural complex. Built in 1612-1672 under the order of King Philip III, the Cathedral Basilica of St. Mary is one of its jewels.

This architectural masterpiece in Ayacucho was under construction for 60 years. The work process was slow as the builders had to measure out each column. There were strong earthquakes in this region, so the architects wanted to build a temple that could stand as long as possible. And they succeeded. Despite all the natural disasters, the basilica of striking beauty survived all the blows until the 18th century.

Unfortunately, in 1719, there was an earthquake in the city that destroyed most old buildings and castles. The basilica was damaged too, but not to the extent as to lose its original look. The same year, restoration works were initiated in the temple. Keeping the integrity of the architectural concept intact, the builders had to strengthen the walls, renew the partitions, and preserve the authentic look of the basilica.

Thanks to their reverential attitude to this religious edifice, it still exists in the same appearance as it had when it was first built more than 350 years ago.

The most interesting thing in the Cathedral of Ayacucho is the unbelievable contrast between a relatively modest facade and the rich decoration of the interior. The temple’s interior is a work of art: the gilded altar in the Baroque style and unique sculptural compositions including the especially impressive statue of St. Mary of the Snows. It looks as if it is protecting the central space of the altar.

Here, you will want to view each decorative element because the delicate mastery and attention to the details of their creators are evident. The Cathedral of Ayacucho, though it isn’t the most ancient temple of the town, is considered its most beautiful religious structure.